This was the question one of my closest friends asked me in 2015, whilst sat in the pub, just after I’d handed my notice in at the accountancy practice I had worked at for five years. I’d achieved Partner level but I had become increasingly unhappy and in the end, I just packed it all in.
However, unfortunately I had no idea what I was going to do instead.
But my lightbulb moment occured when asked that question by a much wiser friend than me.
I stopped and thought…’well, why shouldn’t I start my own practice?’ And with that, an avalanche of doubts hit me:
‘I don’t think I’m good enough’, ‘Will I ever make enough money’, ‘It sounds far too difficult’, ‘That’s way too scary’.
Does any of that sound familiar?
I am very glad to say my friend went through each one of my worries and discounted them with ruthless honesty.
Of course I was good enough. I was at Partner level at my old firm so my experience and level of expertise was enough to offer my own clients. Granted, when I started my own practice I did start small but very quickly my confidence grew and I am now working with clients with just as complex accountancy needs as in my previous job. And I’m making money. And I’m good at it.
If you’re lacking in confidence, then consider joining Grass & Holm as a franchisee and you’ll get the best of both worlds. You’ll be starting up on your own with all the freedoms that gives you whilst also having support from someone who has ‘been there and done that’. Regarding the difficulty factor, which was certainly a challenge, it’s something I came to relish and enjoy. I look back now and realise that starting up on your own does have its ups and downs but I was so much more satisfied after I’d worked through each challenge and found a viable solution. Again, if you decide you want to join the Grass & Holm family as a franchisee, all the difficulties have been worked out for you. I’ll help you set up the business and guide you through any challenges that come up. It doesn’t need to be re-invented and I offer training and support whether it be technically, in business development or personally. I get that sometimes you will need your hands held. I’ve been there and definitely got the t-shirt!